Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

This Disney+ docuseries about dogs is great for the whole family

By

Ah, the dog days of summer! Bicycling, swimming, hiking, summer camp — no matter how much fun you’re having, sometimes you just need to take a break from physical activities and spend a bit of quiet time with the family watching television.

What to watch? If you’re a dog-loving family, we recommend It’s a Dog’s Life with Bill Farmer on Disney+. This family-friendly docuseries is a must-see for the great relationships it highlights between humans and their canine friends, as well as the nostalgia of hearing Disney legend Bill Farmer’s voice throughout the show.

golden retriever and patriotic background
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What it is

Disney fans will recognize narrator Bill Farmer as the voice actor of Goofy and Pluto, a job he’s held for nearly 30 years. In this docuseries, he leads viewers all across the country to meet working dogs who do all kinds of incredible jobs that make human lives better.

Recommended Videos

The series is produced by Dog Tales Productions and GRB Entertainment, with executive producers Bill Farmer, Jennifer Farmer, Steve Duval, Gary R. Benz, and Phil Kruener.

The first season debuted on May 15, 2020, and included episodes starring dogs who sniff for whale poop (a real kid-pleaser, no doubt), surfing corgis, stunt dogs, and water rescue dogs, and dogs who help bees survive, among others. The second season is yet to be scheduled.

Why we like it

Goofy and Pluto fans will find it hard to resist closing their eyes to imagine their favorite Disney dogs as Bill Farmer speaks. (Goofy and Pluto do make a few cameo appearances, btw.) Kids of all ages will delight in watching dogs perform a variety of meaningful, comical, and heroic roles as man’s best friend.

In an interview on Collider.com, Farmer said he wanted to make the series “upbeat and friendly” so that it could be a “fun celebration of dogs and all of the amazing jobs and things they do for us.”

The 10-episode first season wrapped up on July 17, 2020. And, although the follow-up hasn’t been scheduled, Farmer said they are working with a list of more than 50 stories they’d like to tell in season two. Happily, Farmer says they should be able to produce many more seasons without running out of story ideas.

small dog big stick

How to tune in

Shows like It’s a Dog’s Life are available with a Disney+ subscription. The on-demand, ad-free streaming service by the Walt Disney Company includes classic Disney movies as well as new shows created especially for Disney+ subscribers. Content from Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, and National Geographic is available, too, and can be streamed to a variety of devices, including smart televisions, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles. Subscriptions cost $7.99 a month or $79.99 a year with unlimited downloads.

This family-oriented streaming service is great for families on the go. Now, no matter where your adventures take you, you can enjoy popular programming like It’s a Dog’s Life on your favorite electronic device. And for families who love their four-legged members of the family, It’s a Dog’s Life is a perfect way to snuggle in, settle down, and appreciate the sometimes weird and wonderful way that dogs add quality to our lives.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Debbie Clason
Debbie Clason
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Debbie Clason's work has appeared in Family Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Lutheran Witness, Massage Magazine…
How often should you bathe your dog? You might be surprised
Why you don't need to bathe your dog every week (or month)
Small dog on a purple leash in a bath

That new puppy smell is the absolute best until your furry friend rolls around in mud (at least you think it was mud ... but it doesn't smell like mud). The writing is on the wall at this point: Fido is due for a bath.

However, should you do like Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher reportedly do with their human children and wait until you see the dirt on your fur baby before throwing them in the bath? Conversely, if you consider your nightly bath or morning shower a blissful experience, should you extend the same to your pet?

Read more
Can dogs eat blueberries? What you should know about offering them as a treat
We'll also cover which fruits Fido can and can't eat
A puppy eating blueberries from a terra cotta bowl with strawberries next to them

Certain foods we eat, like spicy chili and garlic-laden pasta, are obviously unsafe for dogs. You might think fruit is safe for your pup across the board, but some fruits, such as grapes, raisins, and persimmons, can cause everything from diarrhea to seizures — and potentially even death. However, many fruits are nutritious and high in fiber, so how do you know which ones are safe to give your pup as a treat?

You've come to the right place if you've ever wondered, "Can dogs eat blueberries?" We'll give you the scoop on whether your pooch can enjoy these nutrient-rich berries as a tasty treat. 
Are blueberries toxic to dogs? 

Read more
Does your dog constantly sit on your feet? This is why
Here are the reasons a dog might gravitate toward your feet
A dog sits at the feet of two humans

Watching the funny sitting and sleeping positions our pets come up with has to account for at least half the joy of dog ownership. It seems that our beasties generally gravitate to one area for their naps, whether that's the left side of the bed, under the table, or on top of a human.

While some of this makes sense, it can be surprising when your dog sits on you in a weird way, especially on your feet. So why do dogs lay on your feet? Using your feet as a resting spot has a long history and stems from a few pretty interesting instincts.
Why do dogs lay on your feet?

Read more